I used to like guys who devoted a ton of their time to sports. Now I really like guys who devote a ton of time to being happy, whatever shape that might take.

I used to watch soap operas when I came home from university every day. Now I can’t sit through five minutes without wanting to strangle the writers.

I used to want to eat sour things all the time. Lemon juice, salt and vinegar chips, SweetTarts, Sour ChupaChups, Cherry Kool-Aid without the sugar, and slightly unripe kumquats. I think they were the only things I could taste half the time, between bouts of allergies and my omnipresent colds and sinus issues. Everyone was so impressed that I could eat a whole lemon without wincing. But I really would have liked to appreciate subtle things more. It’s just that they tasted like air.

I used to believe that I would marry young, have tons of babies, and write on the side when my kids went off to school. I thought this was the best use of all my skills. I thought I’d fall in love early, and that would be that. I forgot that someone else needs to agree to the plan, too.

I used to collect Princess Diana memorabilia. I stopped long before she died, though. I don’t know where all the boxes are anymore, but it feels creepy to me now that I wanted so badly to look and live like someone who was ultimately unhappy, rejected by someone she gave her life to, and taken by a stupid, preventable accident. Why are we so quick to buy into dreams without checking to see if they are really nightmares?

I used to have oddly square eyebrows. They still try to grow that way. I own them now, though.

I used to be really good at keeping in touch with my friends. Then I became a jerk. How do you find your way back out of that?

I used to believe that faith is a simple thing. But now I think that faith is the least simple element of my life. I’d love to feel that sense of calm and conviction again, but maybe it’s better to wrestle with doubt and find peace after a journey than to stay in the same spot, not moving, hoping no one disturbs me.

I used to think Jamieson Parker was hot, hot, hot. Now he’s old, old, old.

I used to think 32 was old. God help me, I think I still do.

Kerry’s getting married.

So we had a party.

Four hours away from where I live.

And it was a good time — both drives, and everything in between.

Thanks, Kris, for getting it all together. And now, the photo evidence:

Kerry, Denise, Nikki and I headed up together. Nikki’s car has a DVD player in the back, which Denise and Kerry just HAD to try out (complete with wireless headphones.) We faced some serious rain, but Nikki carried us safely through. We got there fairly late that night, and enjoyed drinks and appetizers on Ash’s deck in the moonlight. And then bedtime.

Lorelei, Nikki, Kristy, Kerry (in her least favourite colour, pink, complete with a veiled hat), Jenny, Denise, and Alexia set out with Ashleigh, Sofia, and I (taking the pictures) to a dayful of relaxing sightseeing around the area.

Sof and Lor grinning in Ash’s backseat.

Me! Just to prove I was there…

We had lunch at a local winery. No one actually drank from that glass, but…

Kerry showed the world some serious love.

Here, Jenny and I attempt to self-portrait in a mirror. It doesn’t go too well.

The twins on the gorgeous patio deck. Lunch was LOVELY. I had these curried noodles that gave me wretched breath, but tasted good. And there was no one to kiss, so all was well.

We played for the rest of the afternoon. Literally.

The evening brought an amazing meal of tapas and great company in a private room at a nearby cafe. Catherine and Janelle showed up to surprise us, which made Kerry’s night all the more special.

That’s Christine, our waitress, who was 21 (so young!) and who got a great tip for being ready for anything. Yay for Christine!

And that’s really all I’m going to tell you about what went on in there and AFTER there, besides this photo of Kerry learning about the aphrodesiac qualities of avocados:

Get a bunch of married chicks (and three single ones) in a room, and they’re going to want to teach the one engaged one how life works. Or at least how they THINK it works.
And all I really walked away with is a good guac recipe.

I love you all, girls. Thanks for the fun. And thanks, Cath and Janelle, for your support during our time of trial on the way home…